Has anybody heard anything about these E-T-A Circuit Breakers?
(http://www.ferret.com.au/odin/images/185271/Miniaturised-thermal-type-1610-from-E-T-A-ElectroTechnical-Applications-185271.jpg)
Basically it's a circuit breaker that replaces the fuses in your bike allowing you to simply reset the fuse when it blows. Does this sound like a good idea?
Quote from: Howley on March 21, 2009, 08:00:37 PM
Has anybody heard anything about these E-T-A Circuit Breakers?
(http://www.ferret.com.au/odin/images/185271/Miniaturised-thermal-type-1610-from-E-T-A-ElectroTechnical-Applications-185271.jpg)
Basically it's a circuit breaker that replaces the fuses in your bike allowing you to simply reset the fuse when it blows. Does this sound like a good idea?
It is a good idea, if they work - no idea on the ones shown. The technology of push button breakers has been around for over 50 years. Originally developed for airplane circuits. The breaker would pop, and could be reset. If the problem persisted, but the circuit was critical, then the push button could actually be held in by hand, thus taking the risk of other problems but keeping the circuit live.
Not to mention, the majority of applications fuses were used 50 years ago have been replaced by breakers or relays today.
mitt
Yes, as long as it fits and the amperage rating is the same. The only negative I can see is less incentive to do a repair.
Cool, what's your source. I used to run circuit breakers in the boats we built, but all the ones I've seen (before now) have been too bulky for a compact motorcycle.
Fuses are typically well regulated, precise, and consistent when the blow. Breakers on the other hand have inherent tolerances and variation, since they are a mechanical device. In the breaker world, there is a wide range of quality coming from the various manufacturers. If these shown are good, then it is a great idea. But, if they let 200% of nominal current through, and don't open, thus melting your wires, then they would be a bad idea.
mitt
Several years of experience with small push button circuit breakers used on portable generators has shown me that they get weaker if they trip very often. When they are new they are fairly accurate. No FHE with anything quite this small.
Quote from: 64duc on March 22, 2009, 12:14:46 PM
Several years of experience with small push button circuit breakers used on portable generators has shown me that they get weaker if they trip very often. When they are new they are fairly accurate. No FHE with anything quite this small.
This is exactly the experience I have had with breakers of any kind. Being a lighting technician for many years I have come to love breakers (Older theaters in some cases still have fuses) Once they start popping it never ends. Although on a motorcycle I'm not sure that there would be enough load to consistently trips these. Barring the crazy f**kers with their accent lighting, stereos, and whatnot. ;D